I was deprived in childhood—robbed of my birthright fair!
I have never had what belonged to me, and they stole from my scanty share.
I have suffered—oh, how I have suffered!
Outrage and loss and pain!
Are the Heavens deaf? Is God a lie, that such black wrongs remain?
What matter! ah, what matter! what shall it count to me?
These things that “I” have suffered—what is that I to “We”?
We—We who are Human—life that is old as Time—
Life of the blended nations; life that is now sublime!
Life that has buried billions and poured forth billions more—
Life that has suffered for ages, and rejoices as never before!
Life that carries its evils, disease and sorrow and sin.
By the power of eternal progress—the progress we all are in;
That bears with its weak and little, its errors of church and state,
By the strength and truth and virtue of its all uncounted great!
Human! am I not Human! Is not the world's life mine?
Shall the fate of a single creature disturb that calm divine?

The little “I” that suffered was but a part of me—
A fraction slight as a wavelet light on a world-encircling sea
I may sorrow for it, as for others; there is pain man should not bear,
But the joy and the power of Human Life makes that an easy care
We may mend it and remove it—we may make all men glad,
So soon as we turn our common power to help the separate sad,
When we lift our soul from the microscope of personal concern
And let the light of Human Love have room to shine and burn.

I have rejoiced through the ages. Since life was made I live,
In the wealth of power and the peace of power and the joy that power can give
I have climbed the way of the ages in the steps that must be trod;
And I stand of the very threshold of a world that knows its God
Hark! was some one crying? Does some one yet complain?
We cannot go on to our splendid day while any in want remain
Hush! It is easy to aid you; the power and the instant will
Wisdom and limitless love are mine; bring me your cup to fill!
Come! To riches and beauty, and freedom that none can bar—
Were you myself a thousand times—see what you really are!